Both girls watched her and said nothing.
‘For the most part,’ continued Theuli, ‘it is because there will always be the temptation to participate in the Joining during the time of the Festival, and merge with the Pixies, Nymphs, or Sprites. But Deborah, be forewarned! If you were to Join with Éha and the other Pixies during the Festival, you would suddenly find yourself an Outcast with a half-Pixie daughter to look after.
‘If the two of you are going to do this again, I must ask that you be very careful. There are consequences if you do not, and those consequences can not simply be mended or called back.’
Deborah was looking at her now. ‘Are you saying that we shouldn’t do it again?’
Theuli gave her a disturbingly knowing look. ‘You must find your own way in this. I ask only that you don’t run off like that without telling me. We were all very worried. Ralph and my husband were ready to go off looking for the two of you by the time you showed up. That wasn’t fair to anyone.’
The two girls nodded, looking glum.
‘It’s late,’ said Theuli. ‘Get some sleep. Things may not seem so confusing in the morning.’